Were you seriously hurt in a slip, trip, or fall at a business or on someone’s property in North Carolina? All too often, we find that accidents like these ─ and the resulting injuries ─ could have been prevented. Many slip and falls result from a property owner or manager’s carelessness or inattention. A spill that no one noticed or cleaned up quickly, failure to put up a sign warning of slick conditions, failure to replace torn carpeting or repair broken steps, and other issues pose very real threats to unsuspecting visitors.
If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you could be dealing with far more than just bumps and bruises. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable North Carolina slip and fall lawyer to learn about your right to compensation. At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we have more than 40 years of experience serving accident victims in Wadesboro, Wilmington, and across North Carolina. Our lawyers will meet with you for a free, no-obligation case review to answer your questions and explain your next steps. Contact us now to get started.
What Do You Have to Prove in a Slip and Fall Claim?
Slip and fall claims are a type of premises liability claim, and they aren’t always easy to prove. You must show that a property owner, manager, employee, or other party was negligent. You must also prove that the party’s negligence caused you to suffer severe injuries. You could demonstrate that a property owner or occupant was responsible for a dangerous condition on their property, and you were hurt as a result. Depending on the facts of your case, you may need to establish that a property owner knew about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you of the hazard.
Insurance companies are fierce in their defense of slip and fall claims. The best thing you can do for yourself after an injury on someone else’s property is to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer about your North Carolina slip and fall settlement.
Compensation Available After a Slip and Fall Accident
Every slip and fall case is different. But there are some common elements that should be taken into consideration when evaluating your case. You could be entitled to compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, including hospital bills, surgical costs, prescriptions, and more
- Incidental costs you incur because of your medical condition, including costs of transportation, medical equipment, and in-home care
- Lost wages if you are forced to miss work while you recover
- Losses in your future earning potential if you suffer from long-term disabilities that affect your ability to perform your usual work
- Pain and suffering, including the physical discomfort, emotional pain, and psychological anguish you endure as a result of the accident and your injuries
- Loss of companionship or consortium if your partner is affected by your injuries or subsequent disability
- Punitive damages, which are awarded in rare cases involving at-fault property owners who were extremely negligent or intentionally malicious
Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in North Carolina
North Carolina’s statute of limitations imposes time limits on your right to file a lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. If you fail to file your slip-and-fall lawsuit before the relevant deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. The statute of limitations provides injured victims with three years to take legal action after a slip and fall injury. If you wait too long to bring your case, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
An experienced North Carolina slip and fall attorney from Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC can begin work on your case immediately to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.
